Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Private First Class Ralph L. Browner, United States Marine Corps Reserve. For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces on Saipan, Marians Islands, on 8 and 9 July, 1944, while serving in a Marine infantry battalion. During the night, when the company was receiving a heavy counterattack on the beach west of Karaberra Pass, Private First Class Browner set up his machine gun on the left flank of the line within six feet of the water’s edge and manned the gun during the entire night despite intense rifle and machine gun fire. An estimated two hundred Japanese soldiers occupied the caves and beaches a few yards in front of Private First Class Browner’s position. As the heat of the battle grew, he was receiving fire from three directions, but he courageously and willingly held his position and accounted for thirty-five enemy dead. His skill and tenacity were material factors in protecting the left flank of the line and in repulsing the counterattack. His heroic conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navel Service.